1. Women’s Suffrage Movement – In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women across various nations fought for the right to vote. Leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the U.S. helped pave the way for women’s voting rights, culminating in the 19th Amendment in 1920.
    2. Civil Rights Movement – Women played a vital role in the U.S. civil rights movement, with figures like Rosa Parks and Ella Baker leading efforts to combat racial segregation and discrimination. Their contributions were essential in shaping the movement’s strategies and goals.
    3. Women’s Liberation Movement – Emerging in the 1960s and 1970s, this movement sought to address issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and gender roles. Key figures like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem helped mobilize women to advocate for their rights.
    4. #MeToo Movement – Founded by Tarana Burke and popularized by social media, this movement raised awareness about sexual harassment and assault, empowering women to share their experiences and demand accountability from perpetrators.
    5. Indigenous Women’s Movements – Indigenous women have led numerous movements advocating for their rights, land sovereignty, and cultural preservation. Figures like Winona LaDuke have been at the forefront of these efforts, addressing issues of environmental justice and Indigenous rights.
    6. Climate Justice Movements – Many young women, like Greta Thunberg, have become prominent voices in the fight against climate change, mobilizing global youth to demand action from governments and corporations.
    7. Women’s March – Following the election of Donald Trump in 2016, millions of women (and allies) marched in cities around the world to advocate for women’s rights, healthcare, and social justice, highlighting the importance of women’s voices in politics.

    These movements demonstrate the power of women in driving social change and advocating for justice across various spheres.

  • 🗳️ Trailblazers in History

    Sojourner Truth (1797–1883, USA) Formerly enslaved Black woman who became an outspoken advocate for abolition and women’s rights. Famous speech: “Ain’t I a Woman?” Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906, USA) Leader in the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S. Helped secure the vote for women through the 19th Amendment. Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815–1902, USA) Co-authored the Declaration of Sentiments at the Seneca Falls Convention (1848). Fought for women’s legal rights and suffrage. Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928, UK) Founded the Women’s Social and Political Union. Known for militant tactics to gain voting rights for women in Britain.

    🌍 Global Feminist Icons

    Frida Kahlo (1907–1954, Mexico) Not only an artist but a feminist symbol for body autonomy, identity, and disability. Malala Yousafzai (1997–Present, Pakistan) Shot by the Taliban for going to school; became a global advocate for girls’ education. Youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Wangari Maathai (1940–2011, Kenya) Environmentalist and women’s rights advocate. First African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Huda Sha’arawi (1879–1947, Egypt) Pioneered Egypt’s feminist movement. Publicly removed her veil in defiance of gender norms.

    ✊🏾 Feminists Who Centered Intersectionality

    Audre Lorde (1934–1992, USA) Black lesbian poet and activist. Advocated for the inclusion of race, sexuality, and class in feminist discourse. Angela Davis (1944–Present, USA)

    Scholar, activist, and prison abolitionist. Connected feminism with racial and economic justice.

    Gloria Anzaldúa (1942–2004, USA)

    Chicana feminist and queer theorist. Her work bridged race, gender, and cultural identity.

    🔥 Modern Movers & Shakers

    Tarana Burke (1973–Present, USA)

    Founder of the #MeToo movement. Amplifies the voices of survivors, especially women of color.

    Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020, USA)

    U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Championed gender equality and legal protections for women.

    Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (1977–Present, Nigeria)

    Author of We Should All Be Feminists. Amplifies feminist thought through storytelling and cultural critique.

    Leymah Gbowee (1972–Present, Liberia)

    Led a women’s peace movement that helped end the Second Liberian Civil War. Nobel Peace Prize winner.

    🌱 Why Their Work Still Matters

    These women didn’t just fight for themselves. They fought for your voice, your rights, and your future. Their work reminds us that feminism is not one-size-fits-all—it’s about justice in every corner of the world.

  • When Is LGBTQ History Month?

    In the United States, Canada, and Australia, LGBTQ History Month is celebrated in October. In the United Kingdom, it’s celebrated in February.

    Why LGBTQ History Month Matters

    Visibility: Highlights the often-overlooked contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history—from activists and artists to scientists and leaders. Education: Provides a platform to teach about landmark events like the Stonewall Riots (1969), the AIDS crisis, and ongoing fights for equality. Community: Creates space for LGBTQ+ people to share their stories and build solidarity. Advocacy: Encourages conversations about continuing challenges, such as discrimination, violence, and health disparities.

    Key Themes and Figures

    Stonewall Riots: Sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Harvey Milk: One of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera: Transgender activists central to Stonewall and advocacy for trans rights. Audre Lorde: Black lesbian poet and feminist whose work has inspired generations.

    Ways to Observe LGBTQ History Month

    Host or attend educational events, panels, and film screenings. Share stories and history on social media or community newsletters. Support LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses. Integrate LGBTQ+ history and contributions into school curricula or workplace training.

    1. Moleskine Classic Notebook – A timeless choice with high-quality paper, perfect for writing and sketching.
    2. The Five Minute Journal – Encourages daily gratitude and reflection with structured prompts to boost positivity.
    3. Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook – Known for its durability and range of colors, it offers numbered pages and an index for easy organization.
    4. Spark Creativity Journal – This journal combines prompts and exercises to spark creativity and self-expression.
    5. Self-Care Journal for Women – Focuses on mental wellness and self-care with prompts that encourage reflection and mindfulness.
    6. The 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal – A fun, guided journal that encourages making lists on various topics throughout the year.
    7. Mindfulness Journal – Offers prompts and space for reflection to help cultivate mindfulness and gratitude.

    These journals cater to different interests and styles, so you’re likely to find something that resonates with you!

    1. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by BrenĂ© Brown – Encourages embracing vulnerability and imperfection as a path to self-acceptance.
    2. “How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy” by Jenny Odell – Focuses on the importance of taking a break from the hustle culture and reconnecting with the world around us.
    3. “The Self-Care Solution” by Jennifer Ashton – Offers practical tips and a step-by-step plan for incorporating self-care into daily routines.
    4. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero – A motivational book that empowers readers to pursue their goals and embrace their true selves.
    5. “The Body Is Not an Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor – A guide to radical self-love and dismantling societal norms around body image.
    6. “The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook” by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer – Provides exercises and practices to cultivate self-compassion.
    7. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle – A memoir that explores the journey of self-discovery and embracing one’s true self.

    These books cover various aspects of self-care, from mental health to body positivity, and should be available for purchase on Amazon.

  • 🔪✨ Some Favorite Thriller Books for October

    🔥 Psychological Thrillers

    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A gripping tale of a woman who stops speaking after killing her husband — and the therapist who tries to uncover why. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris On the surface, they’re the perfect couple. But nothing is as it seems behind the locked doors of their home. Verity by Colleen Hoover A twisted blend of romance and psychological suspense, where an author uncovers dark truths while ghostwriting a manuscript.

    🕵🏽‍♀️ Domestic/Crime Thrillers

    The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins A voyeuristic, unreliable narrator is drawn into a missing-person case that hits too close to home. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena A baby goes missing while the parents are at a dinner party next door — but every neighbor has a secret. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden A desperate woman takes a job with a wealthy family — but she quickly learns something is off, very off.

    🌙 Dark & Atmospheric

    Home Before Dark by Riley Sager A woman returns to the infamous house her family fled as a child. Was it haunted — or something worse? Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia A glamorous socialite is drawn into the horrors of a crumbling, eerie estate in the Mexican countryside. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell A dark inheritance, a mysterious mansion, and multiple perspectives collide in this tangled family thriller.

    đź§  Mind-Bending Reads

    Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough

    Just when you think you know what’s happening — twist. And another twist. And then one more that will blow your mind.

    Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

    A woman wakes up every day with no memory. Her journal may hold the truth — if she can believe it.

    What are some of your favorite books?

  • When to Perform the Exam

    • It’s best to perform the exam at the same time each month, about a week after your menstrual period ends when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you no longer have periods, choose a specific day each month.

    Steps for the Breast Self-Exam

    1. Visual Inspection:
    • Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides.
    • Look for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts.
    • Check for any visible lumps, swelling, or skin changes (like dimpling, redness, or rashes).
    • Raise your arms above your head to see if there are any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
    1. Palpation (Feeling for Lumps):
    • Lying Down:
      • Lie down on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder.
      • Use your right hand to examine your left breast.
      • Use the pads of your fingers (not the tips) to feel for lumps.
      • Press down with varying levels of pressure (light, medium, and firm) to feel all the tissues.
      • Start at the outer edge of the breast and move in a circular pattern towards the nipple. Cover the entire breast area, including the armpit.
      • Repeat on the other side using your left hand to examine your right breast.
    • Standing Up:
      • You can also do the palpation while standing, which may help you feel any lumps more easily.
      • You can do this in the shower, as the soap can help your fingers glide over the skin.
    1. Examine the Nipples:
    • Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge (fluid) or changes.

    What to Look For

    • Lumps or hard knots in the breast or underarm area.
    • Changes in breast size or shape.
    • Skin texture changes (such as puckering or dimpling).
    • Any unusual discharge from the nipples.

    If You Notice Any Changes

    • If you find any lumps, changes, or abnormalities, don’t panic, but do consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

    Additional Tips

    • Stay consistent with your exams to better recognize what is normal for you.
    • Consider using a breast self-exam guide or diagram for reference.
    • Pair your self-exams with regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider.

    Regular self-exams can be an important part of monitoring your breast health. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

  • Choosing peace — especially as a woman in a world that often demands your anger, exhaustion, or silence — is not weakness. It’s power, clarity, and leadership. When you commit to peace, internally and externally, you walk differently. You respond instead of react. And that sets you apart in every space you enter.

    🌱 1. You’re Rooted, Not Reactive

    While others may get caught in drama, noise, or ego-driven conflict, your peace gives you:

    Calm in chaos Focus in confusion Power without performance

    “She’s not easily shaken — and that unsettles people used to chaos.”

    đź’Ž 2. You Carry Confidence Without Needing Control

    True peace means you don’t have to dominate to feel seen.

    You don’t need to prove yourself — you know yourself.

    That inner stillness makes people notice you — not because you’re loud, but because you’re centered.

    🌊 3. You Respond with Wisdom, Not Emotion Alone

    Peace doesn’t mean you don’t feel — it means you choose your actions with purpose.

    You pause before reacting You create room for reflection You protect your energy and your peace

    You can disagree without disrespect. That’s maturity. That’s power.

    ✨ 4. You Create Safe Space for Others

    Your peace sets the tone in your relationships, workplace, and community.

    You de-escalate tension You speak with grace You’re a source of calm others can trust

    And in doing so, you invite others into the same peaceful posture.

    đź”’ 5. Your Peace is a Form of Protection

    You don’t engage in gossip or petty drama You guard your boundaries You walk away from chaos without guilt

    Your peace is not just a vibe — it’s a standard.

    đź’¬ Final Thought:

    “She doesn’t chase energy. She checks her spirit.”

    That commitment to inner peace is what separates you from the noise — and positions you to lead with purpose.

  • 🌮 1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos

    Ready in: 20 minutes | Serves: 4

    Ingredients:

    1 lb ground beef 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt) 2/3 cup water 8 taco shells (hard or soft) Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomato, sour cream, salsa

    Instructions:

    Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add seasoning and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Warm taco shells. Fill with beef and top with your favorites.

    🍗 2. Easy Chicken Street Tacos

    Ready in: 25 minutes | Serves: 4

    Ingredients:

    2 cups cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken 1 tbsp olive oil Juice of 1 lime 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp garlic powder Salt to taste 8 small corn tortillas Toppings: chopped onion, fresh cilantro, avocado, salsa verde

    Instructions:

    Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5–7 minutes. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave. Assemble tacos with chicken and fresh toppings. Serve with lime wedges.

    🥑 3. Vegetarian Black Bean & Corn Tacos

    Ready in: 20 minutes | Serves: 4

    Ingredients:

    1 can black beans (drained & rinsed) 1 cup frozen or canned corn 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper 8 soft tortillas Toppings: shredded cabbage, feta cheese, avocado, hot sauce, sour cream

    Instructions:

    In a skillet, sauté beans and corn in olive oil with spices for 5–7 minutes. Warm tortillas. Spoon filling into tortillas, add toppings, and enjoy.

    Optional: Quick Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Mix together:

    1 tbsp chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/4 tsp oregano Salt and pepper to taste

    Want dessert taco ideas or a printable taco night menu? Let me know!

  • 📜 Brief History

    Tacos date back to indigenous Mexican cultures long before Spanish colonization. The modern celebration of National Taco Day likely gained momentum thanks to restaurants and taco chains promoting deals in early October—but the love for tacos is definitely universal and timeless.

    🎉 How to Celebrate National Taco Day

    🌮 Eat All the Tacos

    Visit your favorite local taquería. Try making homemade tacos—classic or creative (e.g., Korean BBQ, vegan jackfruit, breakfast tacos). Host a taco night with friends or family.

    🎨 Get Creative

    Set up a DIY taco bar with a variety of fillings and toppings. Make it themed: Taco + trivia night, taco & movie night, or “taco tasting” challenge.

    đź’¬ Social Media Ideas

    Post your favorite taco recipe or taco pic with #NationalTacoDay. Share a taco meme or a poll (“Soft or hard shell?”). Host a giveaway if you’re a small business.

    📝 Fun Taco Journal Prompt:

    “If I could create my own signature taco, what would be in it—and what would I name it?”

    🛍️ Taco Day Deals (U.S.)

    Many big chains (like Taco Bell, Del Taco, or Torchy’s Tacos) often run discounts and freebie deals on October 4.